"Quick Cathedral"

Arrived at noon today and many thanks to Frank Ching, my partner in crime on flight 1711, for letting me "hitch a ride" into town today from the airport.  I was expecting the heat and humidity, and I was expecting it all at once.  Sure enough, as soon as we stepped out of the airport: right between the eyes.

I am staying at the Hotel Dona Elvira.  I made reservations before Orling set up "special deals" with some of the other hotels in town.  My room is definitely honed from the "spirit" of Santo Domingo.  It's acceptable, but wow, tiny, tiny, tiny, and steeeeep stairs up to the loft where there is barely enough room for a small double bed.  Fortunately the wall mounted AC is just above the bed, so I think it's going to work out. 

What a great reception at the Cultural Center here today.  It was great meeting some of my, ahem, "heroes" in the world of Urban Sketching. One highlight was watching Lapin Barcelona and Thomas Thorspecken sit knee to knee and sketch each other's portrait. 

Mike Leibowitz and I found the large public square, plaza, by the big Cathedral and spent some time doing some sketching.  Here is mine:

  
I am going to crash early this evening.  The old "red eye" from Seattle to Miami pretty much wiped me out.  Really looking forward to tomorrow though and meeting more US folks and attending the workshops. 

Great job, to all the organizers!!